Cis Allies and The Reaction to Trans-antagonism from a Fave

Worst thing about the current strife in the FreeThoughtBlogs trans antagonism bust up is the reaction from friends and allies. No one is asking them to stop being friends, to cast out the person being “-ist”. Just to acknowledge the legions of trans people who have been saying what this person is doing is harmful. They don’t have to say it to their friend even, just stop disbelieving trans people when they say something is off. Stop applying hyperskepticism to each and every bit of evidence they provide. Well, now it is undeniable (Not that it won’t be denied, for “reasons”), I wonder how many defenders will re-evaluate how they handled this?

Just saw this. I apologize for any tone policing I've done recently. Just GTFO Benson – now – not later. Christ. pic.twitter.com/PyDQwmIYQZ

So yeah, that was not found by us stalkers and poisoners, it’s just the latest in a large pile of trans antagonism that is never quite enough. @anteprepro found it and posted on the Pharyngula thread where PZ asked for evidence. Then PZ claimed everyone providing evidence hates her and considers her to be like Satan. So that was a master class in how to handle accusations of bigotry …

People our “side” have also done and said things that didn’t help I’m sure. It would be nice to see some advice on how to handle these issues as I’ve seen over and over again trans people saying how this repeats itself over and over in supposedly “safe spaces” like FTB. The wagons start circling and the defenders get more and more ridiculous. Worst I’ve seen is people claiming Hungerford is not a TERF (She claims that herself) and that since not literally *all* trans people have said this person is being trans antagonistic we can’t draw any conclusions. Not to mention all the comments about “witch hunts”, “thought crime” and of course “McCarthyism”.

Ideally in future if women, trans or cis, say your fave is problematic. Listen to them, and believe them. No need to jump into the “witch hunting” fray and denounce them. Just listen and believe. Avoid making it worse through tortured denials if you possibly can. Give generic support to your fave not “all those people criticising you are like McCarthy”.

In the likely event I am accused of some bigotry against marginalised people I hope my friends will take it seriously. Not dismiss it in a knee-jerk fashion. I hope I’ll be able to listen, apologise, and even better modify my behaviour for next time. That’s literally all anyone wants.

Well yes, if the majority of climate scientists say the world is getting warmer and it’s man made then believe them. The obvious caveat is are you an expert? But when it comes to trans issues it is rather unlikely anyone but trans people are experts on what it is to be trans and who/what is harming them.

This is really critical thinking 101, why is it so triggering for you?